Big call for Juddmonte with Keane and Hornby both in frame for Westover Arc ride

Ralph Beckett is keeping tight-lipped on who will ride Irish Derby winner Westover in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, saying a decision will be made closer to the time.

Beckett was speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's newspaper, where he tackles the big issues facing the sport and looks back at Westover's season with the Longchamp showpiece fast approaching.

Colin Keane and Rob Hornby are the two jockeys in contention for the coveted ride, having both tasted success on the Juddmonte-owned three-year-old.

Hornby has enjoyed a memorable season, capped by a Group 1 double on consecutive days at Newmarket last month when he took the Falmouth Stakes with Prosperous Voyage and the July Cup on Alcohol Free.

Westover: was dominant in the Irish Derby but disappointed in the King GeorgeCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

However, after winning the Sandown Classic Trial and finishing third in the Derby on Westover, Hornby lost the ride to Irish champion jockey Keane, who proceeded to land the Irish Derby before a disappointing fifth in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

"Rob rode him the week of the Irish Derby. He can see the big picture and doesn't need it explained to him – he's good at handling disappointment," Beckett said.

"As for Longchamp, Rob and Colin have won French Group 1s and a decision will be made closer to the time."

On Westover's latest run at Ascot, Beckett added: "He was a bit edgy. Once Colin had gone forward on him and Broome didn't want to leave him alone, that was the end of that. He's not the first horse it's happened to in the King George, nor the first for his owners."

Read more from Ralph Beckett in The Big Read, available in Sunday's newspaper or online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday. Click here to sign up

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (October 2, Longchamp)

bet365: 5 Baaeed, 6 Titleholder, Alpinista, 7 Torquator Tasso, 9 Vadeni, 12 Do Deuce, Onesto, 14 Pyledriver, 16 Luxembourg, 20 bar

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